Elliot's Return

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 80

They arrived at the hospital and saw the Ambulance parked in a bay just outside the main doors, the paramedics waiting as per their instructions. Aden climbed out and went over to them collecting copies of the paperwork. He looked over at Ella and Roman who’d climbed out of the car and were waiting beside it, before he explained what he needed from the two men. He saw them nod and turned moving back over to the car.

“Are you ready for this?” Aden asked.

Ella nodded and felt Roman take hold of her hand and give it a quick squeeze. Geoff climbed out of the back of the car and stood next to Aden.

“Lets do this.” Ella murmured. They went inside and walked past reception without saying a word moving to the lifts at the back of the foyer and pressing the button to take them to the third floor.

“El,” Roman said quietly.

“I’m ok.” she murmured.

He nodded pretending he believed her as they got out of the lift and moved along the corridor to Gabby’s room. They saw David and Sarah Williams standing with Bill Matthews talking animatedly until they looked up and saw them coming along the corridor.

“You can’t take her she is my daughter you gave her up” Sarah hissed.

Ella looked at the woman and her palms itched because she wanted to hit her. Instead she gave a small smile.

“She was stolen from me. You have no right to my daughter and I’m taking her away from you. What kind of mother are you that you would do this? A mother does anything to protect her children.” Ella said softly. “Now get out of my way.”

Sarah gave a howl of protest and lurched towards Ella her hands raised. Roman stepped quickly forward in-between them and caught hold of the other woman giving her a gentle push backward towards her husband. David had to put his arms up to catch her.

“What were you getting out of this Doctor?” Roman asked his tone of voice on the term doctor amid the word into an insult.

Bill looked at him.

“Get out of my hospital.” He said softly. “Take them with you.” He added pointing to Geoff and Aden.

“We’ll gladly leave this hospital when we’ve got Gabby.” Ella told him. “And as for your hospital well it won’t be for much longer.”

She moved them and curved round the lot of them pushing open the door of Gabby’s room. She gasped looking at the pale girl on the bed and rushed to her side ignoring the taunts and conversations going on outside as the Williams and Bill Mathews continued arguing.

“Ella?” Gabby said through dry cracked lips.

“Do you have leukaemia?” Ella asked her.

Gabby shook her head.

“No, money.” She murmured. “We were after your money. Done it before.”

Ella nodded and moved over removing the drip from her arm carefully. She looked at the saline bag and suspected ti had some kid of drug in it so she took a towel from the bathroom and wrapped it up hiding it in the bottom of her handbag before passing a glass of water to Gabby to drink.

“My things.” She moaned gesturing to the presents and stuff that the others had got her. Ella nodded and handed the girl some clothes to put on while she started gathering them up. She opened the door and nodded to Aden and Geoff who moved into the room.

“Take this stuff to the car.” She told them handing over Gabby’s stuff, her bag and the two giftbags with things in and finally the teddy bear.

She saw the two men look at each other before Geoff accepted the bear and glared at Aden. They moved out walking past the still arguing group.

“Ready?” she asked Gabby.

The girl nodded.

“You have to go past them.” Ella cautioned. “And you have to face them Gabby.”

She raised frightened eyes to Ella and moaned.

“Sorry but you’ll never be free until you face them.” Ella told her.

Gabby gave her a brief look and moaned but she lifted her head after a moment and nodded.

Ella moved over and helped the girl to stand before opening the door and walking outside. The arguing stopped and she gave Roman a quick smile acknowledging his distraction of the others whilst she got Gabby.

“Gabby.” Sarah cried. “You can’t do this to us.”

Gabby looked at the other woman and shook her head. She felt Ella reach out and take hold of her hand and she grinned.

“You aren’t my mother. You aren’t fit to be parents.” Gabby said and moved past them. She continued walking ignoring the cries from the other woman getting to the lifts she pressed the button, Ella was beside her and Roman joined them. They climbed into the lift, the doors sliding shut before Gabby collapsed. Roman picked her up and cradled her gently in his arms. They walked out of the hospital and Roman handed Gabby over to the waiting paramedics. She was placed in the Ambulance with Aden climbing in behind her and they set off taking her to Yabbie Creek to be checked out.

Ella felt Roman put his arms around her and she sighed before catching sight of Gabby’s teddy bear sitting in the back seat with the seat belt fastened across it. She began to laugh before becoming hysterical.

“Geoffrey Campbell!” she gasped out looking at him leaning nonchalantly against the car.

He grinned.

“It was Aden.” He said grinning.

They moved into the car and set off.

“Are we going home or to the hospital?” Roman asked her.

“Home.” Ella said placing her hand on his thigh as he drove. He pressed his hand to hers for a second before returning it to the steering wheel and concentrated on driving them home.

“What’s going on with you?” Nic asked Mike handing him a beer while she sipped at a glass of orange juice.

He shook his head.

“Nothing.” He told her.

“So nothing to do with Danni and Brett going out?” she asked.

“Oh my god is there someone who doesn’t know?” Mike groaned.

“Well we haven’t told Colleen so I imagine there are a lot of people who don’t know.” She murmured running a hand through her long blonde hair and smiling at him. “What are you planning on doing?”

“I’m going to come out of the SAS.” He said quietly. “Find myself a university to go do a masters in something and then who knows?”

“Ella won’t be happy.”

Mike looked up.

“She enjoys worrying about you.”

He grinned at her.

“Well time was she used to worry about you Nic but I think she’s given up.” He murmured.

“Good.” Nic said not rising to his comment.

He chuckled.

“Not going for it?” he asked.

“Oh, I know you probably have a wonderful punch line Superbrain but somehow I feel in serious mood.”

Mike laughed and leaned back on the bench.

“I miss being home Nic.” He said suddenly. “I love being in SAS but I miss this.”

“I’m glad. But you know we’ll be here for a long time.”

“How come you never went for that high fashion career Nic?” he asked her.

“Because I found something better. My husband and family.” She replied.

“Maybe it’s the same for me.” He pointed out and looked over at the pool area where Danni was playing water polo with the other kids.

“Maybe.” Nic said. “But is she ready for you?”

Mike smiled.

“I hope so because I’m going to marry her.”

“You found your Ella.” Nic said quietly. “You love her.”

Mike chuckled again.

“I did. And it screwed me up thinking she was Gabby.”

He swallowed the rest of the beer and grinned at his sister.

“I once had a thing with Aden.” Nic confessed and heard Mike give a slow whistle under his breath.

“Before Geoff?” he asked.

She shook her head.

“No but Geoff and I weren’t seeing each other at the time.” she said. “It was that year that Dad went to jail.”

Mike nodded.

“Makes a weird sense.” He said shrugging.

She giggled.

“And Belle?” he asked.

“They were in the middle of a split.” Nic said. “We thought we weren’t hurting anyone.”

“So what is the lesson I’m supposed to pick up?” Mike asked her.

“No lesson. Things work out for a reason. You met Danni because you were supposed to.”

Fate?” he muttered his tone becoming harsh.

She looked at him then.

“Tough times?” she said with fresh understanding.

He nodded.

“Lost a couple of guys.” He told her standing up.

Nic stood too and moved over to him putting her arms around him.

“I’m sorry for their families and I’m sorry for you.” She told him gently. “I hope that you stay in the SAS for a bit longer. She needs to grow up and you deciding to leave now is probably a reflection on what you’ve been through.”

He eased back and looked at her.

“You’ve been hanging around Mum way too long.” He told her.

She smiled at him.

“I know. I almost sound like her.”

“I love you Nic.” He muttered suddenly.

“Love you too pest.” She replied. “Thanks for being my brother.”

“Didn’t have much of a choice. I said yes to Mum and Dad getting married before knew just how long you took getting ready in the morning.”

She glared at him.

“Or how messy.” He added. “Or you’re lousy time keeping.

“Don’t forget my temper.” She said and leaned over and tipped her orange juice over his head.

He let out a cry before wiping the sticky liquid from his face.

“Nicole Franklin Harris Campbell.” He said moving quickly to her side he picked her up and carried her over to the pool hearing her squeal.

“Put me down.” She cried out.

“Certainly.” He said with a devilish note in his voice.

She moaned realising what he intended before letting out a scream as she was dropped into the pool.

“Roman Michael Addison Harris.” She screamed out and splashed about in the pool.

He laughed.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 81

Gabby woke up slowly and looked round the room. She saw Ella sitting in a chair by the window using the last of the incoming light to read a book.

“Ella.” She said softly.

“Hey.” El murmured walking over to the bed and sitting on the edge.

“What time is it?” she asked.

Ella smiled.

“You’ve been asking me that each time you wake up. It’s nearly 9pm.”

“What are you doing here? You need to go see to Lily.” Gabby muttered closing her eyes and sinking back on to the pillows.

“That’s charming.” Ella said softly. “Roman has Lily. They are having some father daughter time.” she added and reached over for a glass of water. She held it up to Gabby so she could take a drink through the short plastic straw.

“Thanks.” She murmured sounding less hoarse for taking the drink.

“We need to talk to Charlie.” Ella told her gently.

“Who’s’ that?”

“She’s with the police.”

Gabby shook her agitatedly.

“No I can’t.”

Ella looked at her and shook her head slowly.

“Now listen to me.” She said her tone harsh in the room. “We went to a lot of trouble to get you away from them Gabby but you need to make out a compliant so they will never hurt anyone else like they did you.”

She raised her eyes to her mother and sighed.

“Ok.” she said after a minute her lips trembling as she uttered the single word.

“You can do this Gabby.” Ella told her. “You are my daughter so I know you can.”

Gabby looked at her.

“What if I’m not your daughter?” she asked the question she had been holding back for a long time. “I mean Danni looks like you and she isn’t.”

Ella nodded.

“You are my daughter Gabby.” Ella said with a smile. “But if you want a DNA test we can arrange it.”

“And if it turns out that we aren’t related.” Gabby said tears falling down her face.

“You’ll still be my daughter and you’ll help me find your sister.” Ella said and pulled the shaking girl into her arms and holding her close.

“They fooled so many people El, I don’t know who I am anymore.” Gabby gasped out between sobs.

“You’ll be whoever you want to be Gabriel.” Ella told her quietly. “But you won’t have to be alone while you find out because we’ll be here for you as your family whatever the results of any DNA test.”

Gabby cried harder and clung to Ella.

“I want you to be my mum.” She said.

“Then I am.” Ella replied without pausing. “I love you my daughter.” She added and felt Gabby shake even more. “Let it out.” she told her stroking her back soothingly as the girl cried in her arms.

“They made me ill.” Gabby said softly after a long pause. “And then they told people I was their missing daughter and I needed money for the treatment.” She looked up at Ella. “I don’t know why they changed with you they never did the bone marrow thing before.”

Ella nodded and eased back before standing up.

“They wanted to find out if I was going to get ill again, Gabby.” Ella worked out. “So they could judge whether to go for my money now or wait until.”

Gabby gave a sick moan and lurched from the bed staggering towards the bathroom. Ella heard the girl being sick and waited just outside the bathroom with the beaker of water. Eventually Gabby moved back out and looked at her.

“I’m sorry.” She gasped out.

Ella nodded and handed the girl the water watching as she drank it thirstily.

“It’s ok. Are you ready to give Charlie a statement?” Ella asked and watched as Gabby gave a slow deliberate nod.

“Good.” She told her and helped her into the bed. She leaned over and stroked her face. “It will be ok Gabby, we’ll be taking care of you.”

Gabby suddenly seemed much younger in the too large bed.

“Can I go home with you?” she asked quietly.

Ella nodded.

“Mike is sorting out the stuff in his room so you can have that when he goes back.”

Gabby covered her mouth as she moaned.

“But where is he going to be?” she said after a moment.

“We have that sorted don’t worry about it. In fact don’t worry about anything, ok?” Ella told her. “I want you to get some rest and I’ll be back later. We’ll arrange for Charlie to come here.”

Gabby nodded and then leaned back tiredly against the pillows sighing as she pulled up the covers around her. She stood up and walked out of the room and over to Roman who was waiting a while off.

“Now we wait.” Ella said quietly.

“Are you sure about this?” Roman asked holding out his hand to her.

Ella nodded and reached over to claim his hand.

“I have to know.” She said. “If Gabby is in on it.”

“You read her diary.” He pointed out. “Did that sound like she was involved?”

Ella shook her head.

“Of course not but she left the diary behind. It could be evidence in case they get caught. “

“Is my wife really this cynical?” he asked her.

Ella looked at him and then felt him pull her into his lap and hold her. The chair gave a protesting groan at their combined weight. They looked at each other and grinned before sobering.

She leant her head on his shoulder and sighed.

“Maybe we should have invested in more birth control.” He said quietly.

Ella sat up and looked at him.

“Uh huh.” She said softly. “I do believe that you have just voted for abstinence for the foreseeable future.”

He chuckled.

“No chance.” He told her. “I’m dying to make love to my wife again. You know one of those magical nights when all we can do is keep touching each other and kissing and..” he trailed off and looked at her, his eyes meeting hers in and intense gaze.

“And then?” Elal asked breathlessly.

“Then we start all over again. I’ve missed you.” He added in a seductive whisper.

Ella eased up and pulled on his hand.

“El?” he said quietly.

She smiled at him before taking him over to a janitor’s room nearby. She looked around to make sure no one saw them before opening the door and pulling on his hand as he followed. She closed the door behind them and turned to him as their lips met.

“Are we really doing this?” he asked each word punctuated by frantic kisses.

She smiled at him.

“Oh yes.” She moaned against his lips.

He bumped against the shelf unit behind him before turning them around. He lifted her up onto a shelf and pushed up the short denim skirt she was wearing. Her hands reached down in-between them and freed him from the confines of his clothes. She heard his moan as her hands caressed him.

“God, you are wicked.” He moaned against her lips.

She gave him a slow smile.

“I want you now.” She told him.

He chuckled and eased her legs apart before sinking into her. He gasped when her legs wrapped around him and they moved together.

“I love you.” He moaned kissing her. He put his arms around her and held her. “I love you.” He said again.

She smiled up at him feeling him moving against her. Her hands pushed up his T-shirt and she ran them over his chest and then around his back.

“You love this don’t you?” he whispered against the side of her neck before kissing her there.

She moaned.

“I love you.” She told him breathing fast.

He eased back looking into her eyes and seeing she was biting her bottom lip trying to keep quiet. He gave a slow moan feeling a shudder of pleasure run through him.

“Oh my god El.” He moaned and kissed her passionately.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him reaching her peak.

“Yes.” She moaned against his lips trying to be quiet.

He let out a husky chuckle and thrust into her feeling the shelving give an ominous rattle behind them. He closed his eyes and moaned before looking at her. Pushing her hair back he pressed his lips to hers shaking with passion. He felt her hands on his waist as she pulled him closer and he let out his held breath before pleasure overwhelmed him.

“God.” He said and collapsed against her laughing as the shelving rattled again.

“Much as I’m enjoying this cuddle this shelving is made of metal.” Ella told him.

He eased away form her and adjusted their clothing before helping her to stand. She opened the door and peaked out before gasping and pushing the door closed.

“El?” he whispered.

“Aden is outside Gabby’s room.” she told him quietly. “We can’t sneak out of here.”

Roman began to laugh before he felt Ella’s hand cover his mouth.

“Sh!” she muttered easing the door open again. She saw Aden reach for his phone and let out a gasp.

“Is your phone off?” she asked him.

He nodded and then giggled as hers began to ring.

She reached into her pocket and answered the call unintentionally as she struggled to try and switch it off.

“El?” Aden murmured.

“Yeah Hi Aden.” Ella began prodding Roman in the ribs to stop him laughing.

“Where are you? I’ve just been in to see Gabby.” Aden said.

“I know.” Ella said before clasping a hand over her mouth and rolling her eyes. “I mean, I knew you would.” She amended and glared at Roman who was laughing harder.

“Yeah.” Aden said quietly. “I don’t want to worry you but I think you should come and see her soon.”

“Really?” Ella asked and gave a small moan when Roman kissed the back of her neck.

“I’ll wait outside her room until you get here.” Aden added.

“What? No!” Ella gasped out. “That isn’t necessary.” She added quickly.

She gave another tiny moan feeling him kiss her neck again and spun around.

“Stop that” she hissed covering the mouthpiece of the phone.

“Stop what?” Roman asked her back.

She gave him another glare before he captured her lips under his and kissed her deeply. She dropped the phone as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. They fell back against the door almost overbalancing as the door swung open and Aden stood on the other side.

“You dropped your phone.” He said hanging up and smirking at her.

“Er Yes.” She said and bent down to pick it up groaning when she saw her panties on display on the floor near the shelf unit. She put the phone in her pocket and looked at Aden trying not to blush.

“As well as something else.” He murmured.

Ella let out a laugh even as she went bright red. Roman gave her a quick kiss before picking her underwear up and putting it in his pocket.

She groaned and stormed out into the corridor past a still smirking Aden and a smug looking Roman.

“The janitor’s cupboard?” Aden asked Roman. “You could have chosen an empty hospital room.”

He shrugged and moved over to Ella who was still blushing.

“So Gabby?” she asked after a minute.

“She’s naturally down. Asked if we could do a DNA test.” Aden told them.

Ella nodded.

“DNA?” Roman asked.

“She wanted to make sure she is our daughter.” Ella said quietly.

He gave a small nod before looking out of the window for a time and then back at them.

“Remembering Danni?” she asked him and saw him nod.

She gave him a smile.

“She also asked if Charlie was coming yet.” Aden added interrupting the silent communication between them.

“What did you tell her?” Ella asked him.

“Just that she would be here later.”

Roman nodded.

“How did she react to that?” he forced himself to ask.

“Like she was relieved.” Aden said.

“She’s a good actress.” Ella said quickly a hint of anger in her voice.

“I know.” Aden muttered suddenly angry himself.

Ella nodded to Roman and he pulled out his phone moving away from them to make the call to Charlie.

“We needed to know Aden.” Ella said quietly.

“I know that too.” He said moving over to Ella’s side. “Its ok. You had that with Danni and now Gabby and her so called parents. On top of Elliot too. I have no idea how you coped with it all, either of you.”

“I got through it because I had him.” Ella said nodding her head to her husband and watched as Aden grinned at her.

“Charlie is coming over now.” Roman walked over and told them. “She said she had something to tell us too.”

Ella gave him a quick smile before looking at door of Gabby’s room.

“It will be ok.” Roman told her quietly moving next to her.

She sighed and leaned into him as he put his arms around her.

“I know.” Ella said just as quietly.

She moved over to the seats and sat down, Roman and then Aden sitting nearby.

“How soon can we get DNA back?” she asked Aden.

“24hours if I put a rush on it.”

Ella nodded.

“Can we get it done?” she asked feeling Roman reach out and hold her hand.

Aden nodded and moved away to go get the things needed to do the test.

“Do you think she isn’t our daughter?” Roman asked.

Ella looked at him.

“Why are you asking me?”

“Because my dear wife you knew Danni wasn’t.” he told her and lifted her hand to place a kiss on the palm.

“Buy Gabby has your eyes.” Ella told him with a smile. “And your smile.” She added lifting her hand and stroking his face.

He smiled before pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 82

Charlie sat opposite them in the hospital corridor a worried expression on her face. She took a deep breath before she began speaking.

“It’s about Elliot.” she began.

Roman looked up at her.

“What?” he said quickly.

“He’s being released. Due to lack of evidence.” She said to them.

Roman felt Ella’s hand trembling within the grip of his and bit back the swearwords on his lips.

“Why?” Ella said. “He kidnapped me and my son. He was planning to kill us.”

Charlie nodded.

“I know what he did Ella but the explosion at the warehouse destroyed any viable evidence. And he can deny the kidnapping because both you and Mike were reported as going with him willingly."

She snatched her hand away from Roman and glared at them both before standing up and walking away.

“Ella.” Roman called out.

She stopped and turned to look at him.

“No. You and Charlie sort it out.” she told him.

He stood and moved over to her putting his arms around her.

“No.” he told her. “We’re in this together.” He murmured. “I need you.” He added in a whisper for her ears only.

Ella looked up at him and gave him a slow smile.

“You do?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Please.” He said holding out his hand.

She put hers into his firm grip and he led them back to the chairs and sat back down.

“So what evidence do we need?” Ella asked bitterly.

Charlie gave them a slow smile.

“I don’t know.” She told them. “I’ve put things in place for a restraining order.” She added.

Ella nodded.

“Now tell me about Gabby.” Charlie said to them pulling out her notebook and a pen.

Roman gave El’s hand a quick squeeze and began the story.

“So according to her diary this has been done before?” Charlie asked.

Roman nodded and went on to name the people who had been swindled by the couple watching as Charlie wrote the names down.

“Is that everything?” she said.

Ella looked up.

“No. They had her hooked on a drip. It had tranquillisers in. I handed it to Aden and he had it analysed.”

Charlie nodded.

“I need to talk to Gabby now.” She told them standing up.

Roman stood too and moved with the other woman showing her into Gabby’s room. Ella heard him say a few things before coming back out and sitting next to her.

“Do you think Elliot will come back after us?” she asked him.

Roman looked at his hands.

“I don’t know.” He murmured.

“We’ll be ok.” she told him holding out her hand to him.

He took it within his opposite hand and put his arm around her.

“You are such a beautiful liar.” He murmured.

“You don’t believe me?” she asked him.

“I believe that we’ll try and get through this and the Gabby stuff but we’re struggling.”

“Maybe you should rethink that Mister!” she muttered. “Who else would I sneak into the janitors room with.”

Roman let out a laugh feeling a little of the tension leaving him but he looked at her and sighed.

“I love you El and I don’t want to lose you.”

“I know what you are thinking.” She told him quietly.

“You always do my beautiful witch.” He said at last.

They looked up as Charlie came out of the room and over to them.

“Gabby has made a full statement.” She told them. “We’ll be swearing out an arrest warrant for her parents and Bill Matthews.”

Roman nodded looking at Ella.

“I’ll go in.” she said standing up.

“Ella.” Charlie called as she reached the door.

She turned and looked at the woman.

“I’m sorry about Elliot.” she told her.

“Yeah, me too.” Ella replied her tone bitter.

Charlie lowered her head obviously feeling guilty as she left the hospital.

“Low blow.” Roman said quietly.

Ella nodded.

“Sorry.” She said and stood up moving into Gabby’s room.

“Ella.” Gabby cried out.

“We tested you tonight.” Ella said straight out. “We wanted to see if you were going to warn them what we planned to do.”

Gabby looked up in shock.

“I guess I deserve that.” She said after a time.

Ella looked at her.

“No you didn’t. You didn’t deserve any of this.” Ella told her. “Aden has said you are well enough to come home tonight.”

Gabby looked at her.

“You still want me?” she muttered

Ella nodded.

“I meant what I said Gabby. If you want us we are your family.”

“And if I’m not your real daughter?” she asked and bit her lip.

Ella gave her a smile.

“Then I hope you’ll help me find her. Do you want to get ready and we’ll take you home?”

Gabby nodded and stood up off the bed moving into the bathroom to get changed. She came out a moment later and picked up the clothes that Ella was holding out for her.

“You get that from Sammy.” Ella called out and grinned when she heard Gabby's laughter from inside the bathroom. She came out dressed after a moment and slipped her feet into her shoes. Ella led them out of the room watching Roman stand up and greet them. He gave them a smile and held his hand out to Gabby. She looked from one to the other before racing into his arms.

“Are we taking her home or dropping her off somewhere?” Roman said.

“Hey, stop giving her a complex.” Ella told him.

“Just checking.” He said giving them both a grin. He kept his arm around Gabby as he led her to his car and took them all home.

Danni kept her focus on the film.

“This isn’t working is it?” Brett said after a minute.

Danni gave a sigh and turned to him.

“I’m sorry.” She told him.

He grinned and leaned forward kissing her cheek.

“You know that he is nuts about you don’t you?” Brett asked her.

Danni shook her head.

“Can’t be.” She denied and passed the bucket of popcorn to Brett.

He took a handful munching on it as he turned back to the film. Keeping his voice down he murmured.

“I thought he was going to punch me when I told him I had a date with you.”

Danni gave another sigh.

“Funny how you think of me as a brother and yet you don’t think of him that way.” He continued.

“Brett please shut up.” Danni told him and held out the popcorn once more.

Brett put his hand in the bucket and took some more before he continued.

“Don’t you think it brave of me to take you out on a date.” He began and felt her glare at him. “I mean he’s like a trained solider.”

“I am not dating him I’m dating you.” Danni said hastily blushing.

“But you are only dating me because I’m safe.” Brett said reaching for more popcorn. He put it in his mouth and chewed slowly before looking over at her, The light from the screen in front of them give her a silver glow highlighting her beautiful features. He sighed and then grinned.

“I could lose my heart to you Danni but I’m not stupid. You are in love with Mike and you need to tell him.”

“Oh Brett.” Danni said with a sigh.

“Tell me I’m wrong.” He said softly.

She was forced to shake her head.

“I can’t.” she said eventually. “And this is some date.” She grumbled.

“I could kiss you if you like.” He offered.

She started and glared at him before seeing the not so serious look on his face. She gave a slow grin.

“You do Brett Jefferies and I’ll tell Amy Matthews.” she threatened.

“Amy.” he said quietly.

She looked at him.

“See.” Danni murmured. “I know your secret too.”

“Amy and I are finished.” He pointed out. “Why would I ask you for a date if I was still seeing her?”

“Perhaps because she and Rebecca Robbins are four rows behind us and she’s glaring at me.” Danni pointed out.

Brett gave her a look and then put his arm around Danni’s shoulders as he glanced around.

“Got them?” she asked him.

He gave a quick nod before grabbing some popcorn.

“I swear I didn’t know she was here.” He mumbled.

Danni gave him a grin and leaned closer to him.

“So Brett.” She said sounding so like Ella that he chuckled.

“Ok.” he said. “We split up because I wasn’t good enough for her family. Seems her Dad and my dad used to go to school together.”

“So you didn’t want to break up?” she asked redundantly.

He nodded.

“And you thought taking me out would what make her jealous.” Danni asked angrily.

He shook his head and then leaned close to her.

“No.” he whispered. “I thought that I might get stupid to admit he’s nuts about you.”

“Don’t call him stupid.” She said angrily and saw his smug grin.

He gave a small chuckle and they focused on the movie until the end credits came up.

“So what are you going to do about Amy?” she asked and then groaned at his smug grin.

“Nothing. I’m focusing on my College course at the moment. Amy will still be there when I’ve finished.” He said quietly. “And you and Mike?” he asked after a moment.

She looked over at him seeing his ruffled blond hair and blue eyes noticing not for the first time how much he looked like his Dad, Aden.

“I don’t know.” She said honestly.

He gave a small smile and stood up helping her out of the seat as they moved out of the cinema. He caught sight of Amy and her friend looking at them and he gave her a smile before taking Danni out to his car and driving them home. He pulled up in the drive and grinned.

“Mike is at the window.” He said. “Seems he was waiting up for you. What do you want me to do?”

She glared at him and then looked at the window.

“Nothing.” She said with a sigh. “Thank you for a good night.” She added climbing out of the car and moving into the house. Brett watched as she got into the house before he drove away.

“Hello.” Mike called out as she moved inside.

“Mike.” She said looking around.

“Roman and Mum are at the hospital.” He said quietly.

“Why do you do that?” she asked him coming through to the lounge and sitting down.

“Call him Roman?” Mike said with a grin. “It’s how I first addressed him. He’s my Dad but he’s also Roman. I notice that you don’t always call them Mum and Dad.”

Danni looked at him and sighed again.

“Not because I don’t think of them like that.” She pointed out.

He moved then and sat beside her.

“And how do you think of me?” he asked.

She found herself looking into his blue eyes and sighing again.

“You’re not my brother.” She said finally in a low voice.

“I’m glad because I can’t think of you as my sister.”

“Do you have any idea what you are saying?” she found herself asking him.

“Danni I have feelings for you that are no way the kind of feelings a man should have for his sister and I have tried to let you grow up but its too hard not to tell you how I feel.” He confessed and looked up to see his mum standing in the doorway having just come home. He gave a groan.

“We’ll be upstairs.” She told him grinning as she lead Gabby and Roman up the stairs.

“Great my big romantic declaration and my mother over hears it.” Mike muttered burying his face in his hands.

Danni gave a chuckle and pulled his hands away from Mike’s face.

“Are you saying that you like me?” she asked him.

He put his hands on her face and looked deep into her eyes.

“Danni I love you.” He murmured.

She threw her arms around his neck and pressed herself close to him.

“I love you too.” She cried.

He eased back and looked at her before placing his lips to hers and kissing her.

“Would you like to go on a date?” he asked when they broke apart.

She nodded.

“I’ll be back home in 4 months. Do you think you can wait that long?” he asked her dreading the answer.

She nodded.

“I’ve got college.” She pointed out. “And well it might be a bit awkward with them so can we take it slow?” she asked.

He nodded.

“I’ve been thinking about giving up the army.” He said after a time.

“But Mike.” She said.

“It’s a big step so I’m going to take my time to figure it all out.” he added.

He stood up and held out his hand to her smiling as she stood too and moved towards him. She gave laugh as he pulled her into his arms and began a slow dance around the room despite the fact there was no music. She melted against him feeling very protected by his strong arms.

“I love you Danni.” He told her again.

“Love you too Mike.” She whispered.

He eased back and pressed a kiss to her lips before taking her to the foot of the stairs.

“Goodnight.” He said and watched as she stepped up the stairs slowly before going into her room. He turned and went back into the lounge and sat on the sofa.

Ella moved into the room a few minutes later and looked at her son.

“Couldn’t stop yourself could you?” she asked.

He looked up and shook his head.

“I suppose she said she loved you too.” Ella added folding her arms.

Mike couldn’t stop the grin on his face.

“Mum.” He began.

She came over to him and sat next to him.

“So tell me these big plans Mike?” she asked.

“I don’t have any Mum. I love her. Not as my sister even though I tried!” he began.

“Yeah skip that bit. I want to know your next step.”

Mike groaned.

“I’m thinking.” He began.

“Of coming out and then what? I had this conversation with your father Mike. Yes you love her and I appreciate that my wonderful son is not going to do anything that will damage this family but you need to focus on your next mission and your next group of men. Do you understand me?”

He nodded.

“Mum.” He began once more.

“Mike you have my blessing if that is what you want and you know we will take care of her. Just take care of yourself ok.”

“Oh Mum.” He said with a comic groan. “You know I will. I won’t .” he stopped and looked at her.

“I know. I love you Mike.” She said placing her hand on his face before putting her arms round him and hugging him.

He eased away from her and moved back wiping the tears from her face.

“Mum?” he asked after a moment.

“Elliot is being released.” She said finally.

“Oh god Mum.” He muttered.

“I’m ok your dad is here.” She said.

“Of course you are.” He murmured.

She gave him a grin.

“If he hurts my family Mike I swear.” She stopped.

“Are you capable of it Mum?” he asked her.

She looked at him before shaking her head.

“God I don’t know Mike. I threatened to stab him when he came after Danni. I don’t know.”

Mike gave her a brief hug.

“It’s been a long day. Lily is asleep so why don’t you let Dad lead you up the stairs to bed. You’ll feel better in the morning.” Mike grinned looking over at Roman who was waiting for her.

She pressed a kiss to her son’s cheek before going up the stairs with Roman.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 83

Elliot pulled up outside the house. He saw lights in inside and could hear music. He took in the planters filled with flowers, the cane furniture on the front veranda with the blue and white patterned cushions. The blue painted woodwork and finally the blue front door. He stepped out of the car and walked slowly over to it before raising his hand and knocking. He heard the music turn down and he knocked again until the door swung open.

“Elliot.” Ella murmured. “What are you doing here?”

He looked past her and saw Georgie standing from the table and moving protectively towards her.

“I’ve been released.” He began.

Ella nodded and looked behind her to see the children lining up.

“Come in.” she told him.

He did a double take.

“Beth.” He stopped and looked at her. “Ella.” He corrected.

“Elliot come in. You know Roman isn’t here. “

He nodded.

“I watched him leave a while ago.” He confessed.

She opened the door wider and turned around ushering the agog children back to the table.

“Finish your dinner please.” She asked them.

Elliot paused on the threshold before stepping into the hallway. He took in the cream painted walls and the dark wood stairs leading up. They were polished to a high gleam with a cream runner going up the middle of the steps. There was a white fluffy cat curled up asleep on one of the steps and he smiled.

“Yeah that’s one of my moggies.” Ella said walking through to the kitchen.

She poured out a couple of coffees and handed one to him pointing to the cream and sugar on the top.

He added cream more as something to do than desire to drink the coffee white.

“You knew him.” he said at last.

“I did.” Ella murmured. “I didn’t know him as well as the others. He kept to himself a bit and for a lot of the time he was assigned to another unit.”

“He never told me what it was like out there.” Elliot said quietly.

Ella placed her hand on top if his and gestured to the beck. He followed her and eased down on of the seats. Ella sat opposite him.

“My son is out there now and if I thought about how bad it was I’d go crazy.” She began. “First off you didn’t know if that kid playing by the side of the road was a friend or if he was going to throw a grenade at you. So you avoided him.”

Elliot nodded.

“And along with roadside bombs there were the landmines. All that arsenal left over from the Afghani war with the Russians and the American and British weapons were now turned on us and we were out there to help them. We took in medical supplies and helped build schools.” She murmured taking a slow drink of coffee.

Elliot looked at her.

“What do you really want to know Elliot?” she asked him.

“Knowing what you do about him how can you sleep in the same bed as him?” he burst out. “He is a killer.”

She reached across and placed her hand on top of Elliot’s.

“Because he was trained to be that way. That is not who he is. He could have killed you Elliot but he didn’t because he wants to believe the best in people.” Ella told him gently. “Just as your brother wasn’t a killer. I don’t know what happened inside his head that he did that but I do know that it has haunted Roman for all these years.”

Elliot looked at her.

“It’s easy to learn how to hate Elliot. You have to find a way to let it go.” She added after a time.

He shook his head and leaned back in the chair sipping at the luke warm coffee.

“You have a nice place.” He said quietly.

She gave him a smile.

“It’s taken a lot of work.” Ella murmured and caught sight of Meggy in the doorway behind her.

“Come on Meggy.” She called and watched as her daughter ran over to her.

“That’s the bad man.” Meggy cried out.

Ella gave her a smile.

“He was but we think he’s better now.” Ella whispered loudly to her daughter and looked over at him.

“I’m going to go.” Elliot said standing up.

Ella nodded and stood too. She took Meggy’s hand within her own and led Elliot out.

“Where are you going to go?” she asked him.

He gave a small shrug.

“I don’t know.” He answered honestly.

She moved into the lounge and gabbed hold of her handbag, coming back after a moment with her purse. She opened it and handed him a business card.

“It’s a bar in the city called Papa Joe’s.” she told him. “Call in there sometime if you ever need anything.”

“You’d give me this? After what I did?” he said, giving her and incredulous look.

She nodded looking over at Meggy and then back at him.

“It’s not too late for you to have a home and family Elliot.” she said smiling at him.

He shook his head again.

“I can see why he loves you.” He said at last and moved out through the door.

She stood watching him get in his car and drive off before picking up Meggy and carrying her into the lounge with the others.

“Mum?” Georgie asked.

“Whose turn to clear the table and shall we go see Daddy at the diner and have ice cream?” she said softly.

Sophie looked at Sammy and then Georgie.

“Ok.” she said.

“I’ll do the table.” Georgie said collecting up the plates.

“Are you ok my Meggy girl?” Ella asked her.

Meggy nodded.

“Do you think you can go check on Gabby for me and ask if she wants to come?” Ella added placing a kiss to her cheek and lowering her to the floor. Meggy gave her a grin and ran up the stairs. They heard her knocking on Gabby’s door loudly and chuckled.

Ella walked over to Lily and picked her out of the bassinet picking up the changing bag and placing her in the capsule. She stroked her cheek and gave her a kiss as she settled her down.

“Gabby said she doesn’t want to go.” Meggy shouted running down the stairs.

“Ok then.” Ella murmured opening the door and ushering the children to the car. She got them all in before getting behind the wheel and setting off.

“Are we telling Daddy about the bad man?” Meggy asked. “Because if it’s a secret them we should think up a really good reason why Sammy can’t keep still.”

“Hey!” Sammy muttered.

“Hey!” Ella exclaimed at the same time. “No more secrets ok.” she said looking at the back seat in the rear-view mirror. She pulled up outside the diner and found a parking space easing the car into it slowly. Climbing out she picked up Lilly’s capsule before helping out Sammy and Meggy. Walking into the diner she saw Roman immediately and smiled at him. He put the pan he was using to one side and came over to her.

“Hey.” He said softly kissing her.

“We had a visitor so I thought I’d better come and tell you.” Ella told him.

His eyes flew to hers.

“Elliot.” he said his tone bitter.

She nodded.

“We talked and he left.” She told him.

“We were going to keep it a secret but Sammy can’t sit still.” Meggy burst out with.

“Thanks Meggy.” Ella told her smiling at her impossible daughter.

He grinned.

“Are you ok?” Roman asked her quickly.

Ella nodded.

“I think so.” She answered seating the children round the table. “We want ice cream.” She added.

He gave her a smile and moved into the kitchen.

“He didn’t even ask us what flavours we wanted.” Sophie moaned.

“He’s your dad I think he knows already.” Ella told her.

Sophie glared at her.

“I may have changed my mind.” She grouched.

“So you don’t want cookie dough?” Roman asked his daughter.

She looked up at him.

“Fine ok.” she conceded as he placed the dish in front of her. He placed more dishes on the table in front of the others before sitting down with them. He felt Ella’s hand stroking his leg under the table and he smiled at her before put his arm around her shoulders.

“So what else have you been up to?” he asked with a smile.

“Homework.” Sophie said with a grimace.

Roman gave a small chuckle at the expression on her face before looking over at Ella.

“Did he seem ok?” he burst out with.

Ella nodded.

“Wanted to know what it was like over there.” She murmured with a sideways look at the children.

He nodded and rubbed his hand over his face touching the beard he’d allowed to grow in the days since he’d learnt of Elliot’s release from prison.

“And you told him?” he asked although it was more of a statement.

She nodded.

“Told him some of it.” she said softly. “And I gave him.” she paused and looked into Roman’s eyes. “Papa Joe’s contact details.”

Roman shook his head and she could feel his whole body tensing.

“El.” He said quickly.

She gave him a smile.

“Maybe it will make a difference.” She shrugged.

He shook his head before focusing on the children watching them eating ice cream and laugh, Georgie and Sophie swapping their dishes to finish each other’s flavour. Lily in her capsule waving her arms and legs.

“We’re right here.” Ella leaned over and whispered in his ear. “Where are you?”

He flinched from the comment and looked into her eyes.

“I’m here.” He denied.

She nodded.

“Good. Perhaps you could have a shave tomorrow and we could maybe have dinner out. Just us.” She suggested.

He gave her a slow smile before standing up and moving back to the kitchen returning a few minutes later to collect empty dishes. She gave him a smile and then frowned when he looked away from her.

“Roman.” She called out softly.

He shook his head.

“I’ve got a bit to do before I get home tonight.” He murmured. “Don’t wait up for me.” He added leaning over and placing kisses on each of the children. He bent over and placed a kiss to her cheek before going back into the kitchen.

Ella pinned a smile on to her face and took the children outside to the car. She drove them home and carried on like normal. Playing with the children before getting them into bed. Before going to bed herself. She read for a long time before lying back on the pillows and closing her eyes tiredly. She knew that Roman was avoiding her and couldn’t work out why.

Gabby moved out of the room and walked barefoot down the stairs putting her shoes on at the bottom she moved into the kitchen and opened the fridge. She saw a foil cover plate with a post with her name on and smiled. She peeled off the foil and saw a ham salad. Taking it to the table she began to eat slowly. She looked up after a few minutes when the door opened and Roman walked in.

“Still not eating with the others?” he asked her.

“Still not talking to Ella?” she asked him back.

He grimaced.

“It’s complicated.” He began.

“Let me guess I wouldn’t understand.” She said with just a hint of sarcasm.

He nodded.

“I don’t even understand it Gabby.” He said reached for a glass and the bottle of whisky.

“Are you giving Ella enough credit?” she asked finishing the salad.

“Are you?” he countered pouring out the whisky and taking a drink.

“Can I have a drink?” she asked.

He looked at her and nodded before opening the fridge and handing her a can of soda.

“Hey, I’m old enough.” She grouched.

“And I’m not stupid enough to let Ella catch me giving you booze.” He told her sitting tiredly at the table.

“So tell me what’s wrong?” she asked him.

“Ella was dead.” He began. “We all thought so and I did something.”

She looked at him before taking a long swallow of her drink.

“What did you do? And woah, dead?”

He nodded.

“There was a car wreck and it was thought she was dead. She lost her memory and for six months she was gone.” He filled her in.

“What did you do?” she asked.

“I slept with someone else.” He finally said draining the glass.

“Well if she was dead surely you can get past it.” Gabby pointed out.

He nodded.

“But how do I tell her the other woman is pregnant?” he said softly.

“Just like that.” Ella said from behind him.

He spun around looking at her in horror.

“El.” He said finally.

She came over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.

“By the way, she always comes down to check that I’ve eaten.” Gabby told him with w quick grin.

He flinched from her touch before looking up at her.

“Come to bed.” Ella said softly. “And you young lady are going to have to stop acting like a vampire.” She said to Gabby.

Roman stood slowly and moved up the stairs to their room. He felt Ella’s hand in the small of his back and he almost groaned.

“Get into the shower.” She told him moving back over to the bed and adjusting the covers.

He moved into the en suite and she heard the shower come on. She pulled out a set of pyjamas for him and placed them inside the bathroom closing the door and then turning back into the room. She climbed into bed and picked up her book and waited.

Roman moved out wearing the pyjamas before coming over and climbing into the bed beside her.

“El.”

“How long have you known?” she asked.

He shook his head.

“Jacko told me that they had found her and that Leona was pregnant three days ago.” He murmured quietly.

“Ok what are you going to do about it?”

He looked at her.

“El.” He said again.

“I’m angry, of course I am, but its not going to help is it? If she is pregnant then you need to see her and help her.” Ella told him just as quietly. “Then you’ll be able to sort yourself out.”

She reached for his hand and took it within hers.

“El.” He said again.

“I love you.” She told him. “That’s all you need to know isn’t it.”

He nodded unable to speak.

“So how about you switch off that light and snuggle down in this bed with me.” She suggested.

He gave her a look that spoke volumes as he moved down into the bed fussing with the pillows. Eventually settling down. He gave a sigh and reached for her pulling her into his arms and holding her tight.

“El.” He said again closing his eyes tight.

“Goodnight.” She murmured keeping her voice normal.

She eased back against him and put her hands on top of his.

“El.” He whispered.

“Love you.” She told him.

“Make love to me.” He begged.

She turned in his arms and kissed him feeling him shake against her. Her hands caressed him feeling his hands frantically touch her.

“It’s ok.” she said kissing him.

She kissed down his neck and along his collarbone and back, running her hands up and down his back.

He gave a small sigh before rolling away from her.

“Sorry.” He said after a minute.

“Roman?” she asked.

“I can’t. I’m a terrible husband and you deserve better.” He said. “Go to sleep El.”

She gave another sigh and rolled over to her side of the bed. There were just a few inches between them but suddenly the divide felt massive.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 84

Roman came back from his run to find that the children were being shepherded out by Nic and Belle into their cars. They were chattering excitedly about a sleepover as they moved out giving him a brief hug on the way past. Gabby was climbing in Danni’s car beside Danni and waved to him as they set off.

“I guess you want us to talk?” Roman said to Ella when he moved inside the house.

She looked at him and smiled.

“This is where I’m going to be. If you want to talk come and find me.” She handed him a slip of paper and disappeared out of the house next. He saw her climb into her car and set off. He walked into the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water before opening the slip of paper. He read the words and frowned.

Dropping the note to the worktop he discarded the bottle of water and moved up the stairs to claim the shower. He noted how empty the house seemed with all the kids out and no Ella. Sinking down on to their bed he was struck by that one thought. No Ella. He’d messed up again and it would cost him his marriage there was no other alternative. He gave a groan and moved into the shower, Dressing quickly he gathered his phone, keys and wallet and moved out. He drove for a while before pulling up at the Sand dunes. Stepping out of his car he slipped off his shoes and socks to walk on the hot sand. He saw the sun setting in the distance as he moved to Ella’s side.

“Hello.” She said softly.

He took in the coloured picnic blanket surrounded by lit candles.

“Ella.” He said.

She gave him a slow smile.

“Roman I love you. Let’s sit down.”

“You’ve spoken to Jacko.” He said not moving towards her.

She nodded.

“Then you know Leona is pregnant and it looks like I’m the father. Are you going to be able to keep telling me you love me when there is another woman out there carrying my child?” he asked his tone bitter.

“I love you.” She said again looking up at him. “So yeah, it looks like I can.”

He shook his head and sank to his knees.

“This is a charade.” He told her reaching out and grabbing hold of her arms. “You can’t do this. I know you Ella.”

She looked deep into his eyes and smiled.

“I can. I have too. And I will.” She told him her love for him shining in her eyes.

He flinched form the understanding in her voice and stood moving away from her.

“No.” he said after a long silence.

“Then sort this yourself.” she said after a moment.

He turned back to her.

“Roman.” She said spreading her hands out palm upward in supplicant’s pose.

“I’m here and I’m your wife. I love you. I’m here for you.” She told him.

He shook his head and walked away from her. He pulled on his shoes and got behind the wheel of his car setting off and driving away from her. Getting away from her. But it was all a metaphor. He wanted to get away from himself and the guilt of what he’d done.

Ella blew out the candles and looked out at the sea, After a time she stood up and moved to the waters edge before stripping off her dress leaving her in just her underwear and splashing through the surf to the deeper water. She dived in and began to swim letting the water soothe her. She swam until she was exhausted and slowly made her way back to shore climbing out of the surf. She looked up and saw Roman standing in front of her. He held his arms open and she went into them feeling his lips on hers immediately. He led her back to the picnic blanket and stripped his clothes off leaving them where they dropped. He lowered them to the soft blanket below and then kissed and licked and touched her all over mastering her body, loving her. He felt her hands on him and he smiled grimly peeling them away and pinning them above her head. He stripped the wet underwear away loving the way the rising moon covered her body with the shimmer of silver. His lips kissed her in places he knew well and new places. He looked down at her, losing himself in the deep blue of her eyes as he joined his body with hers. Her soft cries of passion urged him on and shamed him at the same time. He kissed her into silence.

He awoke and saw her standing at the edge of the water, silver foam touching her feet. Her long dress was back in place and her hair still damp, now curling around her face. He moved pulling on his trousers and reaching for his discarded shirt. He moved over to her putting his arm around her and moving his body protectively close to hers. Both of them looking out on the silver highlighted waves

“It’s over isn’t it?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Give me time.” he begged.

“I have Roman. I’ve given you days to talk to me. To decide what you are doing.” She murmured.

“Ella please.” He said again.

She turned into his arms and rested her head against his heart feeling him shake.

“We’ve done a lot you and I, don’t you think? We’ve coped with a lot of bad stuff.” She began. “I’m going home.” She added after a time.

“Ella.”

She looked up at him and gave him a smile.

“It will be ok.” she said to him softly.

She placed her hand on his face and stroked his beard with a strange smile on her face.

“Do you promise?” he asked.

She nodded trying not to bite her lip.

“I promise.” She murmured and turned to walk up the beach.

He watched her go before turning and heading up the beach himself. They cleared away the candles and folded the blanket in silence putting them in the back of her car. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before driving away. He followed her after a few minutes pulling into their driveway just after her. She stepped from the car and walked over to the door. He looked at her trying to judge what she was thinking and couldn’t. Something had altered between them tonight. He climbed out slowly and walked over to her.

“I think you should sleep in the study tonight.” She told him. “Give us some breathing space.”

He nodded even though that was the last thing he wanted to do.

She gave him another chaste kiss before going up the stairs. He watched her go with a feeling of dread.

“Ella?” he called.

She turned and looked at him.

“What if sleeping down here tonight is the last thing I want to do? What if I need you? What if we make love again and this time you don’t fake your response to me?” he asked her.

She blushed with embarrassment.

“I didn’t.” she began to say.

He took the stairs two at a time.

“Anyone could be fooled but I know you and tonight you let me think I was pleasing you when I wasn’t I was being selfish because I’m scared that I’m losing you.” He said kissing her. “I know I’m losing you. I’m trying to hold on tight to what we have Ella and at the same time I’m pushing you away. Don’t let me.” He begged. “Keep fighting for me because you are right we have got through some really bad stuff El, and I know I couldn’t have done it without you. You love me I know you do and I love you and without you.” His voice broke. “Without you those stupid sad sentimental loves songs will make sense and I don’t want that.”

She gave him a radiant smile and led him to their bedroom. He kissed her lips as he led her to the bed removing her clothes once move until she lay naked on their bed. His hands found all those wonderful places on her body and she writhed in pleasure under his touch.

Ella looked into his eyes and tentatively began to touch him. He gave her a smile and kissed her.

“Love you.” He whispered against her lips.

“I love you.” She told him gasping with pleasure as his body joined with hers once more.

She held him to her, her hands touching him all over moving against him. She began to reach the pinnacle of pleasure and held on to him.

“Yes.” She said quietly feeling strangely shy with him.

He smiled looking down into her eyes.

“I love you so much.” He gasped out.

She clung to him and together they fell apart as pleasure rolled over them in waves.

Roman woke first looking at her still sleeping in his arms.

“Not fair.” She mumbled.

“What isn’t fair?” he asked

“You watching me.” She told him curling herself around in his arms.

He pressed a kiss to the end of her nose.

“I can’t help it I have to look after you.” He told her in turn.

She smiled and her eyelids fluttered closed again.

“Ella.” He said.

“Again?” she asked without opening her eyes.

“Well.” He murmured.

She gave a chuckle and kissed him.

“Can’t you do it while I’m asleep?” she asked after a moment.

He laughed.

“Ella.” He grouched.

She opened her eyes and kissed the end of his nose.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t notice.” She told him.

He laughed again feeling her hands begin to touch him. He rolled over on to his back pulling her on top of him. Her hair fell in a dark curtain around her face and she lowered her lips to his. She kissed him slowly and began to make love to him.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 85

She woke slowly and looked over at his profile before climbing out of their bed and going into the bathroom. They acted as normal around the children but even they were beginning to suspect something was wrong. She knew that today was the final day they would be like this. He stirred in the bed and opened his eyes sitting up.

“What time is it?” he called out looking at her.

She gave him a smile.

“Early.” She murmured.

“Come back to bed.” He said softly.

“Not that early.” She protested.

He gave her a slow look that made her pulse quicken.

“Roman.” She moaned.

He grinned and stood up from the bed. She couldn’t help her gaze running over his body as he moved towards her.

“See something you like?” he asked.

She nodded licking her lips as she glanced up and down his body.

“Come here.” He said.

Her eyes flew to his and she saw his seductive smile. She knew she should be telling him no, they didn’t have time, or any number of excuses but she stepped towards him dropping the towel she had wrapped around her to the floor. He laughed softly and put his arms around her lifting her back to the bed.

Danni looked at Gabby across the table.

“So what do you think is going on?” she asked.

Gabby shook her head and keeping her voice low she murmured.

“I don’t know but Ella has been making a lot of phone calls.”

Danni nodded and looked up as she heard someone coming down the stairs. She gave a sigh of relief when it was Sophie.

“Are you two talking about the parents?” She asked moving to the table.

Danni and Gabby exchanged a look.

“See.” Danni said. “There is something weird going on.”

Gabby gave a slow smile.

“I should probably find a place to live and move out.” she said.

Sophie shook her head.

“No it’s not you Gabby.” She said quickly. “And Mum would be upset if you went.”

Danni nodded before moving over to get a bowl out for Sophie’s breakfast. She handed her the museli before putting bread in the toaster. Sophie took the milk out of the fridge and poured it over her cereal before putting it on the table.

“So what do you think it is Soph?” Danni asked.

The girl shrugged.

“I think that they are splitting up.” She said softly sitting next to Gabby. “You don’t know this but Mum lost a baby a long time ago and she and Dad split up for a while.”

Danni picked the toast out and put it on the table not saying anything.

“Really? “ Gabby said.

Sophie nodded.

“It was when I pulled my stunt.” Danni said guiltily causing Gabby to look at her.

“So you think that.” Gabby said shutting up when Ella walked down the stairs.

“Hello.” She said softly.

“Are you and Roman splitting up?” Gabby burst out with.

All eyes turned to Ella.

“No.” she said quietly.

Gabby nodded.

“Fine so what is going on?” she asked.

Ella looked at them and put a smile on her face.

“Nothing.” She said softly.

Danni and Gabby looked at each other.

“Can you go fetch the others down please?” Ella asked Sophie giving the girl a kiss on the top of her head.

She nodded and put her museli to one side before racing up the stairs.

“Mum?” Danni said.

She looked at the two girls.

“I’m splitting up with Roman. Today.” She said softly. “And it’s going to be tough. I need you to help with the kids.”

She looked at them and blinked back tears.

“You can’t!” Danni gasped out.

“We may not know the full story.” Gabby said quietly looking at Ella.

She gave a slow nod and made a start on breakfasts giving her focus to the children. Gabby helped out keeping them chatting and focused until they were ushered out to the car ready for the school run. Roman came down the stairs, he gave Ella a kiss before moving out of the door and taking them to school. She stood in the doorway for a long time before moving away and walking slowly up the stairs.

“Ok spill it.” Danni muttered to Gabby.

“Roman slept with someone and she’s pregnant.” Gabby burst out with.

“No wonder Ella is splitting with him.” Danni muttered angrily.

“Wait!” Gabby said anxiously looking up the stairs. “It was when she was gone.”

Danni paled.

“Oh poor Ella.” She said softly.

They looked up and saw Ella struggling down with a bag. She carried through the open front door and put it on the veranda. She refused to look at them as she repeated the process a couple of times before she shut the door.

“You may want to go out.” she said to them.

“Ella.” Danni said quietly.

“I’m sorry.” Ella murmured. “If there was any other way I would do it.” she shook her head and sank into a chair.

Danni stood and poured her a sup of coffee watching as she drank it.

“So what next?” she asked.

Ella looked at her watch.

“He’s going to get served with divorce papers soon.” She murmured. “And well hopefully it will give him the chance to sort this out.”

Gabby stood and came over to her.

“Ella are you sure about this?” she asked.

“Of course not.” Ella moaned her lips trembling. “All I’ve ever done since I was 19 years old is love him. I don’t know what it will be like not to have him there. But if this isn’t resolved it will keep eating at him all the time.”

“So what is this?” Danni murmured.

Ella looked at them her eyes filling with tears.

“You better go.” She said quietly without answering the question.

She moved up the stairs and into the nursery holding Lily in her arms as the first tears finally fell.

“Think she’ll be ok?” Gabby asked as they went out the door.

“I’m more worried about Roman.” Danni said looking over at the pile of bags.

Gabby looked up and saw Ella in the upstairs room with the baby.

“Maybe she’s right giving him some space to sort this out.” she said to her as they pulled away in Danni’s car.

Ella moved down the stairs after a time with Lily securely in her arms before placing her daughter in the bassinet. She began to clean the lounge when she looked at her watch. Moving quickly she put the security chain on the door and moved to the back to lock them both before sitting down and waiting.

“Roman Harris?” The man called out stepping into the diner.

“Yeah, I’m Roman Harris.” He confirmed moving to the counter from the kitchen.

“I have a delivery for you.” He was told and presented with a clipboard to sign. He looked over the man dressed formally in a light grey suit and grimaced. He picked up the pen and signed where indicated before accepting the envelope. The other man nodded and moved out of the diner with Roman watching him go before he slid his finger under the flap of the envelope. He opened it and looked at the papers in his hand. A stream of swearwords erupted from his mouth and he stormed out of the diner climbing behind the wheel of his car and wheel spinning out of the carpark. He arrived at the house in a matter of minutes and ran to the door. He tried the handle and then his keys before hammering at the door.

Ella stood in the hallway paralysed with fear. The knocking continued and she sank slowly to the floor covering her ears with her hands.

“Stop.” She begged in a quiet voice, knowing she was the only one to hear it.

“Ella!” Roman shouted banging on the solid wood door once more.

She looked up as she saw the wooden frame shake. She pulled out her phone and used speed dial to contact Jacko.

“Girlie.” He said as soon as he answered.

“He won’t go.” She murmured, her voice shaking like her hands and in fat her whole body.

“What did you expect Ella?” Jacko asked with a sigh.

She dropped the phone and curled up tight into a ball.

“Ella…” Jacko said his disembodied voice coming out of the phone lying discarded on the floor.

“Ella!” screamed Roman in frustration hammering on the door. “You can’t do this.”

She looked at the phone and then the door before crawling into the study away from them both and lying near the long sofa she pulled a throw over her head shutting out everything.

“Hardcore!” Jacko shouted pulling up outside.

He had decided to stay with Miles for a few days knowing what Ella had planned.

“She can’t do this.” Roman ground out.

“She’s done it. Come away before she calls the police.” He cautioned, although he suspected that in reality Ella was inside crying.

“My kids.” Roman muttered not allowing himself to be dragged away.

“Roman.” Jacko said quietly. “You cheated on her and fathered a child with someone else. She doesn’t want you anymore.” He added and saw the other man flinch.

But in his heart he knew it wasn’t that simple.

“She’s my wife.” He shouted. “Ella come out here so we can talk.”

Jacko shook his head and looked over at Miles who had remained in the car. The other man climbed out slowly and walked over to them.

“Roman.” Miles murmured. “It’s over. She needs you to step away now. Don’t do this ok, because you’ll have nothing left.”

“Without Ella I have nothing anyway.” Roman said looking at his two friends. Yet, how could they be friends if they didn’t understand what this was doing to him. Ella was his wife, the mother of his children and she had filed for divorce whilst living with him, whilst sleeping in the same bed as him.

“Leona is the one you need to be with now.” Jacko said quietly. “She’s pregnant with your baby. Ella can’t deal with that.”

Roman stepped back and looked at the house, his home. He saw the blue painted woodwork and the blue ceramic planters at the front of the veranda with pink flowers in. He looked at the cane furniture on the veranda with the white and blue patterned cushions. This was his home how could he walk away from this and live anywhere else. How could he walk away from Ella?

“Ella.” He shouted again. “Please.” He added in a husky voice. “We can get through this. We’ve been through worse.”

The door opened finally and he looked at her. She was pale and there were dark smudges under her eyes.

“Roman.” She said softly with a glance at the other two men standing nearby.

“I’m sorry but I can’t live with you anymore. I might have been able to get past this but she’s pregnant.” She told him in a breathy voice. “Please don’t do this, ok. “

“Ella I was drunk I didn’t.” he said and watched as she shook her head.

“Leona has no one Roman. No family. She was kicked out of her place with no warning and she’s pregnant. Take responsibility for that at least.” Ella told him her voice sounding stronger.

“You would do this to us after everything?” he asked.

She looked at him.

“I can’t live with you anymore.” She told him and met his gaze without blinking. “Keep pushing this issue today and we will find it hard to be around the kids.”

He took a step towards her.

“Is that some kind of threat.” He said menacingly.

She shook her head in denial.

“No of course not. I wouldn’t do that to you. But if I feel afraid when you are around they will pick up on it.”

He flinched at her words and stepped back hurriedly. Without another word he collected his bags from where she had put them and loaded up his car. He glanced at Jacko and Miles and then got in his car and drove off.

The two men continued to watch until his car was long gone. They turned then and looked at Ella.

She looked back at them before sinking to the ground and clutching herself tightly.

“You have just made a stupid mistake.” Jacko told her.

She nodded.

“Maybe in your eyes it was a mistake but I couldn’t be with him anymore knowing that Leona is pregnant. I’ve been sleeping next to him. I know what he’s been going through. It was tearing him apart unable to make sure she was ok whilst he was with me”

“So you’ve set him free.” Miles said.

She shook her head.

“No. I pushed him away. Neither one of us will be free for a long time.” she told Miles as the first tears came.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 86

Roman drove out of the Bay heading for nowhere. He sighed and found his gaze straying to the papers on the seat beside him. Part of him couldn’t believe that it was over. He looked down at his hand and saw his wedding ring. He served off the road to her dusty verge and stopped the car. Tugging at the ring he groaned when it got as far as his knuckle, his finger swelling with the violent treatment. He pushed it back down with a sigh hoping that was a sign.

Just then his phone began ringing and he looked at it seeing an unknown number in the caller display. Flipping the phone open he answered the call.

“Hello?” he said cautiously.

“Daddy?” Sophie said. “I’ve got a phone.” She cried out.

“Sophie.” he said quietly feeling a lump in his throat. “Hey.” He murmured.

“Mummy had told us that you aren’t going to be together for a while.” She said sounding sad. “But she’s bought us all phones so we can talk to you lots.”

He tried to say something but the lump in his throat stopped him.

“We love you Daddy.” He heard Megan shout out behind her.

“I love you all.” He said finally.

“Give me the phone.” Ella murmured and he heard the phone swap around.

“El.” He said eventually.

“Yes. I’ve sent you a text with their numbers on. Thought that this would be easier for you.” She told him.

“For me or you?” he asked bitterly.

“For what it’s worth Roman I’m sorry. Now as for seeing the children I thought Tuesday and Thursday evenings and weekends.”

“Thanks.” He said sarcastically and heard her give a brief laugh.

“Roman this is going to be tough so I don’t expect anything from you ok.”

“Ella I love you.” He burst out with he heard her sigh. “Tell me you don’t feel the same.”

She closed her eyes.

“Roman we are over. I thought I could deal with the whole Leona thing but obviously I can’t. I’m sorry.” She said again. “I’m handing the phone back to Sophie.” she added and he heard rustling before Sophie came back on.

“Daddy it’s me.” She said.

“Hey princess.” He said keeping his tone light. “So what colour is your phone?”

“Pink of course and Meggy has a red one and Sammy’s is green and Georgie’s is blue so we know the difference. Mummy has put your number in and all of ours. And we are going to text you.”

“That’s cool.” He said quietly.

“Don’t be sad Daddy. We love you. All of us.” Sophie said in a sort of code. “We talked about it.”

“Thank you Sophie.” he murmured and heard Ella laugh in the background.

“Time to hang up.” Ella said.

“Ok. Daddy I got to go. We’ll text you tonight and speak soon ok.” Sophie murmured. “Love you Daddy.”

“Love you Daddy.” He heard called out from Sammy.

The phone call ended and he found himself smiling. Looking down at the screen he saw that he had a bunch of texts and he clicked the phone shut and put it in his pocket without reading them.

He pulled back into traffic and headed off towards the city

Ella finally got the children to sleep and went to her room. She flinched when she thought of it as her room. She smelt his scent on the pillow and groaned. Taking her pillow and blanket she moved into the nursery and climbed into the rocking chair pulling the cover over her she placed the pillow behind her head and fell into an uneasy sleep. She didn’t see Gabby coming out of her room and watching her a concerned look on her face.

Roman lay on the bed in the hotel room he’d ended up in. He opened his phone and looked at the messages. Saving the children’s numbers he saved Ella’s message till last. He read the brief message expecting the usual “x” at the end. She’d cried out her love for him that morning and knew she couldn’t have made love with him if she didn’t feel anything. He reread the simple words and gave a small smile before texting her back.

“Three months and then I’m coming home.” He put and reading those words made him feel better. His fingers hovered over the send button before he deleted the message and retyped it.

“Hope the kids are ok. Hope we can talk soon.” He put and sent.

His phone beeped moments later and he saw a text from Gabby. He felt disappointed until he read it.

“Ella asleep in nursery. Think she’s missing you. Gab x”

He gave a small laugh before dialling a number.

“Jacko.”

“What do you want Hardcore?” he asked.

“Did I call at a bad time?” Roman murmured.

“Miles and I were just drinking the end of a bottle of whisky.” The other man muttered.

“Did you start at the top?” Roman found himself asking.

“Maybe.” Jacko said with a laugh.

“Listen I need to get in touch with Leona.” Roman cut through the other man’s laughter.

“Call me tomorrow and we’ll sort it.” he said. “And just so you know, we tried to talk her out of this.”

“I know.” Roman said softly. “But Ella thought she was doing this for me.”

He heard Jacko sigh before he spoke again.

“She loves you Hardcore so you sort this or Pete and I are going to have to beat some sense into you.”

Roman gave a small chuckle.

“And do you and Pete have health insurance?” Roman asked after a minute.

“No but we do have the phone number for Ella’s Dad.” Jacko muttered. “And he can come sort you out.”

Roman gave another laugh before saying goodbye and hanging up. He reread Gabby’s message and wanted to go home and carry Ella to bed and tuck her in. Hell, he wanted to curl up with her and make things better but she’d scratch his eyes out. He lay back on the pillow and opened his wallet to a picture of her his finger tracing it. He drifted off to sleep thinking of her.

Ella woke up with a crick in her neck she looked at her phone wondering why she had gone to sleep with it in her hand and then remembered. She saw the message envelope and opened up the phone to read it. She smiled at the words he didn’t put in the message rather than the words he’d typed. She took a breath and looked over at Lily before typing a message back.

“Kids ok. Surprised they hadn’t sent him a million texts by now!” She sent the message and eased out of the rocking chair walking back into the bedroom. She lay down finally on the bed and turning pulled his pillow towards her and holding it in her arms. She slipped back to sleep feeling a little less lonely.

Roman awoke when his phone beeped and smiled when he read Ella’s text. He thought about texting her back but it was 3 am and she would have to be up soon to take the kids to school. He typed out the message he really wanted to send to her and left it in his pending folder. Rolling over he looked at her picture again. Reaching for the spare pillow he dragged it across the bed and somehow he felt a little less lonely. He fell into another uneasy sleep.

She woke up and looked at her phone before mentally kicking herself. Climbing out of the bed she grabbed a quick shower before heading down the stairs and starting breakfast.

“Hey.” Gabby murmured coming down first. “Do you want any help getting the kids to school?”

Ella shook her head.

“No thanks I have to get them in routine.” She told her.

“Mum.” Gabby began seeing her head lift at the word.

“You’re about to say something about us and I can’t hear it. Please don’t interfere.” She asked.

“So you and Roman are really kaput.” She said.

Ella lowered her head and walked out of the kitchen. She ran up the stairs and into the bedroom the door slamming shut behind her. Gabby followed slower and stood outside hearing her mother sobbing. She left her there moving to Danni’s room.

“Hey!” she called out.

Danni opened the door.

“Ella?” she asked and Gabby nodded. “Ok we are on kid duty. You get them down for breakfast and I’ll see to Lily. I’ll take her to Nic’s. I’m betting they don’t know they’ve split up.”

“What makes you think that?”

Danni gave her a smile.

“Because she hasn’t been over to sort them out.” she murmured.

Gabby laughed and they moved down the stairs finishing the breakfast and getting the children to school. They left a note for Ella to let her know what they had done.

She woke up and looked at her watch cursing. She raced out of the room and down the stairs and into the kitchen she saw immaculate worktops and then the note from Danni and Gabby. She read it and felt guilty all over again before looking out the back. She opened the door and went out.

“Hello step-mama.” Nic murmured sipping a cup of coffee.

“Nic.” Ella said cautiously.

“I’ve heard a bunch of versions of what had been going on and I can’t say I’m not disappointed in both of you.” She said.

“Are you telling me off?” she asked.

Nic shook her head.

“Nope. I’ve come to give you something.”

Ella raised her chin a fraction as she looked at the girl.

“And what would that be?” she said.

Nic grinned and handed her an envelope.

Ella looked into it cautiously.

“A holiday?” she asked raising her eyebrow questionly.

Nic nodded.

“I think you need a break and some time away from the stress.” She said quietly. “We’ll take care of the kids.” She added the last with a look at Lily.

Ella sighed and sank into a chair near the bassinet that contained their daughters, both Mira and Lily.

“I know I’m a bad mother. I’m not even breast feeding her anymore.” She muttered looking sad.

“Step-mama.” Nic said quietly after a moment. “You need a break away from all this.”

Ella found herself nodding even as she started crying again.

“Nic.” She gasped out.

She moved over to sit next to Ella and put her arms around her.

“One day El.” She said.

Ella nodded.

“I know. One day and I’ve fallen apart.”

“Does that not tell you anything?” she asked her stepmother.

“It tells me that I should be stronger and not rely on a man for my happiness.” She muttered folding her arms.

Nic smiled.

“And?”

“And I love him so much that the thought of never being with him again is tearing me apart inside." She whispered.

Nic nodded at Ella’s words.

“The flight is tomorrow. It’s a private island with a secluded cottage. You’ll be on your own for a week.” Nic murmured. “Plenty of time to get your head sorted so I suggest you go and pack.”

“Nic I can’t just leave.” Ella protested.

“You are going to have to because the tickets are non refundable.” Nic told her.

Ella shook her head again but found she was looking at the information on the tickets. She gave a slow hesitant smile.

“You’ll look after them?” she asked finally.

“Like they are my own.” Nic promised.

Ella nodded and walked over to Lily picking her up and holding her close.

“Don’t hold it against me baby girl.” She whispered. “But I’m going on holiday.”

Nic smiled.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 87

Ella woke up and rolled over. She looked in the distance to the noise that had woken her up. Pulling on the wrap over her bikini she stood up slowly and pulled on her sandals Shading her eyes she looked in the distance seeing someone begin to walk along the white sandy beach towards her. It took a moment before recognition dawned and she gasped.

“No!” she shouted.

Roman dropped his bag and began to run along the beach towards her. He saw her start to run and he quickened his pace until he was behind her. He lunged forward and caught hold of her by her waist.

“No.” she cried again.

“Ella.” He murmured dragging her against him.

“You can’t be here. Go back.” She moaned.

“Ella.” He said again.

She stopped and bent her head forward.

“Nic.” She said quietly her voice full of disgust.

“El,” he murmured.

She turned then and looked at him.

“Why are you here?” she asked him her voice sounding bereft of emotion.

“Because.” He said. “Because I need to save my marriage.”

She shook her head.

“It’s over, see.” She said and held up her ringless finger.

“It can’t be you still love me.” He told her.

“I’m supposed to still love you when there is another woman out there pregnant with your baby?” she asked scathingly.

“You said you would just a little while ago.” He pointed out.

She gasped at the new pain that washed over her.

“I was wrong.” She said in a flat voice. “Let me go Roman.” She added.

He released the hold on her waist.

“You need to go.” She added folding her arms across herself.

He gave her a little boy grin.

“What?” she asked looking at his expression.

“Seems that I gave him orders not to come back for two weeks.”

“What?” she screeched.

“I told the boat driver we were having another honeymoon and not to come back for two weeks.”

She reacted instinctively all the anger building up in her and she pulled back her hand and slapped him hard around his face.

“How dare you?” she screamed. “You get him back here now. I’m going home to my baby!”

Roman looked at her and lifted a hand to rub his stinging cheek.

“Sorry.” He said sounding not the least bit sorry. “But well he won’t come back.”

She gave him a look before picking up her things and marching away to the cottage. She knew he was following but she ignored him, storming inside and slamming the door behind her. He gingerly stepped in after her after opening the door quietly.

“El.” He began.

“You arrogant son of a bitch!” she screamed at him. “Get out of my sight.”

“El.” He said again.

She stormed into the bedroom and slammed the door. He stood looking at the bedroom door and gave a slow grin before going back out and collecting his bag. He found himself smiling even more. The cottage only had one bedroom and the sofa was a two-seater. There was no way he could sleep on that so he knew she would relent at some point and let him use the bed. He only hoped it would be before the two weeks was up. He tried not to think about how he used to sleep out in the open once up on a time and gave a silent prayer that she wouldn’t remember that detail either.

He found he was looking out at the sea taking in the pure blue colour. He couldn’t wait to have a swim suddenly and moved to the cottage to get changed out of his clothes. The bedroom door was still shut and he grinned before finding the bathroom and grabbing a quick shower. He pulled on his swimmers afterwards and moved out to the beach sitting down for a minute before setting out for a swim.

When he climbed out of the sea he saw Ella standing on the veranda of the cottage. He lifted his hand and waved before racing over to her collecting his towel on the way.

“Don’t you dare.” She hissed at him.

“Dare enjoy a nice holiday?” he asked.

She glared at him.

“Ella do you want to know what I found out or not?” he said after a minute.

She gave him a scathing look before walking past him and down to the beach.

“I don’t want to know anything about you. We’re getting a divorce.” She called out walking away.

He grimaced and fetched a drink from the fridge before joining her back on the beach.

“El.” He said under his breath.

She lay still keeping her eyes closed before putting in the headphones from her Ipod and turning on the music.

He found himself grinning at her determination to ignore him before lifting his water bottle and allowing a few drops to trickle over her belly.

She screamed at the ice water and sat up yanking out the headphones.

“Now that I have your attention.” He began.

Ella looked at him with hate in her eyes and stood up. She moved quickly scrambling away from his hand as he tried to catch her ankle. She ran down the beach and into the sea swimming as soon as she was deep enough in the clear water.

“Ella Harris.” He shouted feeling frustration at her managing to avoid him. Taking a drink of the water he debated whether to go after her and decided against it. After a minute he moved to the cottage and took another quick shower before beginning to make them some food. Setting the table on the veranda he added tablecloth and candles before taking out the bottle of rose Cava from the fridge. He polished glasses and placed them on the table ready, moving around the unfamiliar kitchen with ease. He flicked the switch on the string of lights along the veranda. They lit up the dusky evening and he found himself getting worried about Ella. Moving down the beach he saw her sitting looking out to sea having come back from her swim obviously.

“El.” He said softly.

She turned to look at him and he felt his heart thump in his chest.

“El.” He said again moving closer to her and crouching down.

She shook her head.

“We’re done Roman.” She said in a normal tone of voice. “Stop with the denial.”

He moved again and sat next to her looking out on the view.

“Ok so we’ll play it your way. I’ll accept we are over.” He murmured. “But we are stranded here.” He began and held up his hand for her to remain quiet. He saw her blue eyes flash at him and almost grinned biting back the smile with effort. “So lets agree a truce.”

She shook her head.

“Stay out of my way and we’ll be fine.” She told him and stood up.

He watched her walk away grinning at the way she wiggled her hips. They may have been over but she was aware of him, he thought. He stood and brushed sand off his trousers following her. He moved into the kitchen and served up the dinner. He looked at the rose and grinned as he opened it and poured out two glasses, taking a sip of his.

She came out of the shower wrapped in a towel and moved into the bedroom not even looking in his direction. He chuckled moving over to the wall unit he put on some music before lighting the candles on the table.

Roman saw the bedroom open and he jumped up walking over to her.

“I’ve cooked.” He told her. “Are you hungry.

She gave him a look and moved over to pick up a book before going back into the bedroom.

“Ok that’s being childish.” He muttered before closing the door.

She spun around and glared at him before storming over to the table. He moved quickly standing behind her and pulling out the chair. She had no recourse except to sit down. He tucked the glass into her hand before sitting in the chair opposite.

“I hope you like this. “ he said softly indicating the fizzy wine. “It’s sweet.”

She gave him a look before sighing and taking a small sip.

“Its ok.” she said and then grinned as she saw the look on his face after he took a drink.

“Ok it’s too sweet for me.” He groaned.

She let out a small laugh and then sighed.

“El, we’ve agreed a truce. It’s ok to smile I won’t hold anything against you.” He told her before serving up the salad on the plates although there was an awful lot he wanted to hold against her his eyes travelling down her body. He’d noticed the light golden tan on her silken skin

She placed her glass down before picking up he fork and beginning eating.

“Thank you.” She told him eventually.

He gave a brief smile and then topped up their glasses.

“Roman.” She said. “Stop, you hate this.”

“Needs drinking and maybe it’ll grow on me.”

She gave him a look before smiling.

“I’ll drink it. Go get a beer.” She murmured.

He looked at her and smiled slowly.

“How big is the island?” he asked.

She looked at him.

“You really want to talk about nonsense?”

He smiled his gaze on her bottom lip.

“No I want to kiss you and find out what the bed is like.”

Her gaze shot to his.

“There is only one bed.” She gasped out.

He gave a nod his gaze on the sofa.

She looked at him and then at the sofa before titling her head to one side.

“Can we share the bed?” he asked.

She looked up at him in shock.

“You are asking?”

He nodded and saw her smile.

“In that case no.” she said. “The sofa is there.”

He smiled and focused on his dinner watching as she drank a second and then third glass of wine and cleared the plate. She stood clearing her things from the table placing the dirty pots in the sink. He moved until standing beside her.

“I’ll wash up later.” He said turning and clearing away the remnants of the meal. He blew out the candles and turned off the outside lights.

She nodded and took the refilled glass into the bedroom. She came out a second later and put a pillow and covers on the sofa before returning to the bedroom. The soft click of the door closing was in sharp contrast to the tempestuous way of shutting it earlier. He settled down on the sofa pulling up the chair to rest his legs on as he tried to settle down for the night.

She eased out after a while making her way to the bathroom she looked over at Roman struggling to sleep on the sofa and gave a breathy sigh. He heard her moving around and woke up looking over at her. He waited until she was in the bathroom before getting up and going over to the bedroom he climbed quickly into bed and stretched out sighing with bliss.

“Get out.” she cried.

“I will do just give me an hour.” He muttered sleepily.

He felt her slap him, her small hand connecting with his hip and struggled to keep his face straight.

“Out.” she hissed at him.

He reached out and caught hold of her pulling her on top of him before getting her to lay next to him.

“See lots of room.” he told her.

He pulled the covers over them and closed his eyes feeling her angry gaze still on him he breathed out slowly pretending that the smell of her and the feel of her hadn’t just turned him on. That her warmth as she lay to the side of him wasn’t driving him wild with the urge to pull her into his arms. He knew that wouldn’t be enough, he’d want to kiss her then and putting his lips on hers would be the last thing he need to do right then, because if he did give in to temptation he would make love to her. Not stopping until he heard her cry out she loved him from kiss-swollen lips. He gritted his teeth against the mental images and then moaned softly under his breath as she slid across the bed towards him as she relaxed. Within minutes she had fallen asleep and moved against him. She turned and pressed her lips on his chest as she moved into his arms. He turned then and kissed her unable to stop himself.

She woke up and wriggled in the bed before giving into his kiss. He put his arms around her and tumbled them over feeling her hands roaming over her body until he moaned with pleasure.

“I love you El.” He whispered against her lips feeling her still at the words.

He looked into her eyes feeling her emotional withdrawal.

“Sorry.” He told her easing away.

She sighed before reaching out and pulling him to her.

“I love you too.” She whispered not meeting his eyes.

He leaned forward and kissed her.

“I just want to hold you.” He said.

She nodded still avoiding his gaze. He tugged her gently into his arms and kissed the top of his her head before he closed his eyes. He drifted to sleep after a while knowing that she was still awake in his arms.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 88

Although he woke early he knew he was alone. He rolled feeling good that he had been able to hold her and alternately guilty because she was obviously hurting. He climbed out of the bed and headed for the shower before reaching for his bag and pulling out his clothes and hanging them next to hers in the large cane wardrobe. His fingers traced the white cotton sundress he knew was a favourite of hers and the perfume she wore drifted up from the material. He inhaled deeply, before letting go of the dress and pulling on his clothes. Putting his feet into trainers he stepped out of the cottage and on to the beach. The sun was already high in the sky and he felt himself smiling. Stretching he began warming up for a run when he spotted her coming back towards him. She was wearing an oversized T-shirt and black tight shorts and her favourite black trainers. It was obvious she had been for a run and he found himself feeling hurt that she hadn’t woken him to go with her.

“El.” He murmured.

She didn’t even look at him before heading to the cottage.

“Dammit.” He cursed and finishing the stretching exercises that were his warm up he began his run.

Ella moved into the bathroom and stripping she stepped under the hot shower letting the water run down and cleanse her body. She washed her hair and moved out turning off the water. Minutes later she was dressed and sitting on the veranda reading. Only looking up when Roman reappeared.

“Hey.” He said breathlessly.

She gave him a small smile.

“Hey.” She replied.

“You were gone early.” He murmured.

She nodded.

“I’ve got into the habit of getting up early.” She said quietly.

He gave a small nod before stepping past her and into the bathroom. Coming out after his own shower he changed into shorts and joined her sitting on the steps leading down to the beach.

“You’re running again?” he asked stating the obvious.

She glanced at him before looking down at the book and closing it.

“Yes. I found a path through the island. I’ll show you later if you want.” She offered.

He avoided grinning like an idiot at the simple offer.

“Thanks. Maybe we could run together?”

She gave a small nod.

“Want some breakfast?” he asked after a time.

She gave him a look but let herself be pulled up from the step and move into the kitchen with him. He started by pouring them some orange juice before opening the fridge fully to look at the contents.

She sipped at the sweet juice watching as he moved around the kitchen cooking. He started by making toast and then adding scrambled eggs to it.

“Oh, I nearly forgot.” He said and pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed to her.

“It’s from Nate.” She said happily looking at the familiar scrawl of handwriting.

He smiled but remembered the time he had thought she had been having an affair with the other man and how much that hurt. And then came Francesca. He groaned.

“Roman?” she asked.

“Sorry.” He told her. “Just memories.”

She sighed and looked over at him.

“I know.” She acknowledged. “Nate and I, well, we haven’t spent any real time together since before.” She stopped and picked up her plate to move out to the table on the veranda.

“I’m sorry.” He murmured.

“It’s ok.” she told him. “We’re still in touch.”

“But it’s must be tough to find him and then. “ he stopped himself and looked at her. “Thank you.” he said suddenly.

“For what?” she asked him.

He reached across the table and took hold of her hand stroking her fingers.

“For helping me mend the gap between my parents.” He said quietly. “And not once making me feel like a bastard for not encouraging you to see more of Nate. I know how much family means to you.”

She blinked suspicious moisture from her eyes and gave him a smile before opening the envelope and reading the letter. She chuckled at one point before finishing reading and then handed over the letter to him.

“Twins?” he said scanning the contents.

She nodded.

“I’m going to be an Aunty.”

“We’ll have to send them some gift,” he said quietly.

She smiled at him.

“And maybe go see them.” he added watching her face carefully.

Ella stood up and took her half eaten breakfast into the kitchen.

“El.” He murmured quietly coming to stand behind her watching as she turned around.

“We aren’t together anymore.” She told him just as quietly.

“So you are ready to see him?” he asked.

She lifted her head and looked over at him before nodding her expression still sad.

“Francesca?” he asked.

She raised frightened eyes to him and then sighed as she felt his arms going round her. She leaned into him and put her arms around him.

“Sometimes.” She said. “And then came the Elliot stuff.”

“Can I tell you something?” he asked her in a tone of voice she had never heard from him before.

She eased back and looked into his eyes and nodded slowly.

“I miss her.” he said softly. “I only held her for a few minutes but I miss her and most of all I hate that it makes you sad not because you don’t have the right to be sad but just that it still has the power to hurt you. I should have taken much more care of you.”

She pulled away and looked at him.

“Roman you know that nothing you could have done would have stopped what happened.”

He nodded.

“I know. Logically I know.” He shrugged.

She gave him a small hesitant smile.

“I think that I’ve come to terms with losing her, I mean I never got the chance to know her as a person but sometimes I feel it like a sharp pain inside me and I..” she paused looking at him.

“Yes?” he asked.

“I look at Lily and I feel guilty that I love her, like I should still be mourning.”

He nodded leading her over to the sofa and sitting down back against the cushions.

“But not all the time, just sometimes.” She sighed feeling his arms still wrapped tight around her and she sighed again thinking how safe she always felt in his arms.

“Do you think about .” he stopped his arms tightening around her for a fraction before finishing his question, “the baby we lost in the first year we were married.”

She nodded.

“Sometimes.” She acknowledged.

He nodded too.

“I remember how brave you were then.”

She grinned suddenly.

“What are you trying to do?” She murmured.

He chuckled.

“Actually nothing. I don’t even know how we got on this topic.” He said.

“Uh huh!” she said pulling away from him.

“El?” he asked puzzled when he saw her glaring at him.

“You have this habit of taking us down memory lane thinking that the sentimental stuff will get through to me and change my mind about us splitting.”

He pulled back himself and looked at her.

“Do I do that?” he asked and saw her nod.

He stood and walked away from her into the kitchen. She heard the rattle of pots as he moved to the sink and washed them up. She stood after a minute and walked over to him.

“Roman?” she asked.

He looked at her and she saw tears falling from his eyes.

“Oh my god Roman what is it?” she said quickly coming over to him.

He shook his head.

“Tell me.” She insisted.

He pulled away from the sink and moved away from her.

“You’ve just told me that you’ve only been staying with me out of guilt.” He said.

She shook her head her long dark hair flowing around her face.

“No I’m with you because I love you.” She said quietly.

He shook his head.

“Roman?” she asked him walking over to him and placing her hand on his.

“Ella don’t do this ok. You’ve decided we are over so I’ll accept it and maybe we’ll both find some happiness away from each other because God knows I’ve only made your life hell.” He declared moving away from her and on to the beach. She waited a moment before following him.

“Roman Harris.” She ground out.

He turned looking at her.

“El please.” He said.

She moved to him and put her arms around him.

“Will you stop ok.” she said.

He turned pulling her against him and kissed her head.

“I love you Ella.” He ground out against her lips.

He lifted her up and carried her inside to the bedroom. Stripping her clothes off her he laid her back on the bed and kissed her all over. He cupped her breasts in his hands and worshiped them, caressing their fullness before suckling on her hard nipples. He swirled his tongue around them before trailing his hands down her body. He kissed a trail of kisses down her body feeling her quiver underneath him. She parted her legs and he smiled grimly at the sign of her arousal. He was forcing her just as much as Gardy had only he was using her love for him as the weapon against her. He stilled and rolled away.

“Roman?” she asked puzzled.

“I shouldn’t do this.” He said breathing heavily.

“Roman?” she muttered puzzled sitting up and dragging a sheet over herself.

He climbed off the bed and moved into the bathroom. He came out after a moment and moved to sit next to her.

“I’m sorry. I love you and I want to make love to you but it’s not fair to use sex.” He began and flinched at the use of the word himself. ” To bind you to me. So I’m sorry”

She looked over at him.

“So no sex then?” she asked.

He lifted up his lowered head and looked at her.

She smiled at him and let the sheet drop.

“I want you.” She admitted. “Not because you seduced me just now; but because I love making love to you. I love feeling all those sensations with you. I love seeing your eyes as you fill me.”

He moaned low under his breath before kissing her feeling her arms wrap around him. She stroked down his back and let out a little chuckle as he tumbled her back into the bed.

[TelephotoMarigold]

Chapter 89

They walked on to the soft sand together holding hands. He spread out their towels and lay down pulling her to lay next to him pressing a long kiss to her lips.

“So tell me.” He began.

“What?” she murmured leaning over to reach for her sunscreen.

“How long have you know I’ve been doing that?” he said his head on one side.

“Making love instead of facing our problems.” She murmured smoothing lotion on her legs.

“Well yes.” He said. “And nicely phrased.”

She gave a small giggle that made his heart thump in his chest.

“All the time we’ve been together.” She murmured with a shrug.

“So why didn’t you ever tell me?” he asked.

“Did it hurt when you thought about it this morning?” she asked him.

She lay back on the towel keeping her eyes closed.

He nodded slowly his lips unable to form the words. He moved on to his side and looked at her.

“Yes.” He said softly. “I felt no better than him.”

She turned then and put her arms around him.

“Please stop ok, isn’t it enough that it still affects me?” she gasped out.

“I know Ella, I know. But when he did that to you he did it to me. And no it will never hurt me as much as it did you but that you still hurt. “ he sighed unable to complete the sentence.

She nodded before pressing her lips to the side of his neck and kissing him.

“Lets bring the conversation back to us.” She suggested.

He nodded easing back and looking at her.

“You know what we are on a secluded island and you are wearing a bikini.”

She nodded and gave him a puzzled look.

“Well there is no one about.” He added.

She gave a small understanding smile.

He reached around and tugged at the strings fastening her bikini pulling off the top. His hand slid down and he began tugging at the fastening on the bottoms.

“Roman no.” she gasped out.

He gave a small chuckle before yanking off the bottom part of her bikini leaving her naked on the towel.

“Now that is better.” He murmured his eyes travelling over her.

She glared at him before smiling sweetly.

“Take off your shorts.” She told him.

He blushed before stripping off his swimmers and lying back on the towel. He saw her reach for the sunscreen once more and she began to pour out a small amount before rubbing it on her breasts. He watched unashamedly before becoming embarrassed that not only was he starring like a lovesick boy but also his body had reacted.

“Here you go.” She murmured handing him the bottle.

“What?” he muttered his cheeks still burning.

“You’ll need some of this on unless you want sunburn …er…. Down there…” she murmured smiling at him.

He grinned back and grabbed hold of her hand pouring out some cream into it.

“Why don’t you do it.” he said softly

She looked him in the eyes and smiled before her hand slowly touched him. He gave a small whimper at the cold lotion touching his hot skin but then other sensations ran through him and he let out a slow moan unable to stop himself.

“Are you enjoying this?” she asked her voice low and husky.

“Oh yes.” He murmured. “Too much.” He added after a moment his breathing becoming rapid.

“Should I stop?” she asked leaning forward and letting her breath float over his taught stomach.

“Please don’t.” he managed to say.

She grinned and lowered her lips and kissed his stomach.

“Oh El.” He said giving a small moan.

She gave him a small squeeze before stroking him faster feeling him tense as the sensations washed over him.

“El.” He moaned her name as his climax overtook him.

“How was that?” she asked after a couple of minutes. “Think I got enough sunscreen on?”

He gave her a grin and pulled her into his arms holding her against him.

“You might have to repeat that a few times.” He suggested.

She gave a small laugh and pushed at his chest before easing away and standing up. She walked down to the waters edge before wading in and swimming. He watched her for a few moments before doing the same.

Elliot watched them run into the shallow water and smiled. They obviously though they were alone playing on the beach then getting naked. He saw Ella teasing Roman and then kissing him as he led her out of the water both of them falling over in the shallows. Moving quietly he made his way into the cottage and searched for anything they would use for communicating with the outside world. He found the radio to call the boat back and he moved carefully pulling out the inside circuit board before he put it back in place making it look as though it had never been touched. He heard noises from outside and crouched down low peeking out of the window before easing out of the door unnoticed. He kept low as he went back to shadows hiding in the dense foliage in the background. The couple moved back to the house before Roman said something and they broke apart angrily. He smiled as he saw the look on the other mans face. He let out a chuckle when he saw Ella pull her hand back and slap him.

She bent down and gathered her things together before storming into the cottage. Roman followed slowly.

“I can’t believe you.” She screamed at him.

“I’m sorry.” He said.

“I am so glad I’m divorcing you,” she screeched slapping him again.

He put his hand to his cheek and then started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” she muttered glaring at him.

“Well you are arguing with me naked and I’m pretty sure that having sex with me will negate the divorce petition.”

She gave him another look before storming over to the bedroom.

He grinned as he watched her walk away and then frowned as she shut the door quietly.

“El.” He called out.

She opened the door glaring at him.

“What?” she asked.

“You didn’t slam the door.” He pointed out.

She nodded.

“I know.”

“Well are you ok?” he asked frowning at her.

She looked at him and then couldn’t stop herself from giggling.

“Oh my God Roman Harris.” She muttered.

“I’m used to you slamming the door.” He said defensively moving over to her.

She continued giggling even as he moved her back to the bed.

“Roman?” she asked breathlessly looking up at him.

“Should have slammed the door.” He said. “I would have left you alone.”

“Oh so if I had slammed the door..” she broke off looking at him.

“You can’t be that mad at me.” He said kissing her. “and if you aren’t that mad then I can get away with this.”

She sighed even as her arms went around his neck.

“Didn’t we talk about the sex stuff instead of sorting our problems.” She muttered.

He laughed even as he pressed kisses down her neck.

“Why change a good thing?” he asked her.

She chuckled and pulled him back as she lay on the bed.

“Why indeed,” she murmured softly before he claimed her lips again.